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Friday, August 16, 2013

Review -- Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Stick

Back in the day, mainly when I was in college, I really liked using a foundation stick.

I was a big bareMinerals fan back then too, but when I wasn't wearing my mineral foundation, I really liked how quickly and easily I could apply my stick foundation -- a few quick swipes, a little blending, and boom, you're done -- and the amount of coverage I got. My favorite was the one from Benefit, but then they discontinued it, or, at least, got rid of my shade and I couldn't find another stick foundation that I liked as much so I gave it up.

Over the past few months, I've been wanting to try it again so I've bought a few. I haven't reviewed any of them yet because I thought I'd do a big comparison review and offer up my recommendation as to which one was the best.

But now I'm thinking that it's best to review each foundation separately to make sure that I don't leave anything out.

And I figured that I would start with the newest stick foundation on the market, the Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation.

Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation

I am a fan of the original Fit Me liquid foundation because it looks very natural on the skin and the lightest shade actually works with my super pale skin. I do find the coverage to be a little light, though, so when I've got a lot to hide, it's not the best option.

The new Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation is supposed to be a lightweight gel stick foundation with a shine-free powder core to absorb excess oil and keep the skin matte. Now, ordinarily, that type of formula wouldn't be the best match for my normal-to-dry skin, but in the summer, my face can get a little shiny so it seemed like a good time to try it.

The foundation does feel lightweight on the skin, but it has a creamy consistency that makes it easy to blend out. However, while it's creamy, it dries down to a powder finish pretty quickly so it could definitely work on oily skin. Typically, I apply it directly from the the tube onto my face in strategic spots and then use a brush, sponge or even my fingers to blend it out. All three methods work relatively well, but I'd probably recommend a brush or fingers.

The coverage is fairly light, but you can build it up to medium coverage. Still, if you have a lot to cover like acne scarring and other discolorations, you'll probably need a concealer to really cover all of it.

If you have dry skin, though, the foundation can sometimes get a little cakey so you have to be sure to blend thoroughly. Since it dries to a powdery finish, I don't recommend dry-skinned folks applying a powder on top -- that's when the cakeiness can really become a problem.

(Though if you have extremely dry skin, I would probably suggest skipping this one; it might be a little too powdery.)

On the other hand, if you have oily skin, I would suggest using a setting powder on top of the foundation. I don't think it would last all day on its own otherwise.

While the foundation dries to a powdery finish, it isn't too matte on the skin. I'd call it more semi-matte, so it looks very natural on the skin.

As always, I purchased the foundation in the lightest shade, 110 Porcelain, and it's a pretty good match for my super fair skin.

Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation in 110 Porcelain

I paid about $9 for the foundation stick at my local CVS, and I definitely think that it's worth it. If you're looking for a full-coverage foundation, then you'll definitely be disappointed. However, if you're in the market for a light to medium coverage, semi-matte foundation that is quick and easy to apply, I would definitely give it a try.

Have you tried the Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation? Are you a fan?

4 comments:

Interesting product! For my with patches of really dry skin not something I would go for, so finally one product I´m not missing here in Germany. ^^ But this certainly seems to be really handy (nothing could spill while travelling).

Yeah, this isn't a product that would play nice with dry patches. That's why it will go to the back of the drawer when winter rolls around and my skin gets drier again. But the convenience factor makes it very appealing right now.

And I'm trying out some foundations that are better for dry skin right now, so maybe I'll have some recommendations for you in the next few weeks. :)

I've been trying this foundation too and I agree with everything you said. It's a foundation I could use now in the summer but in the winter I will be far too dry. I absolutely love how convenient it is though! Glad you're enjoying it too. :)

Exactly. It's a great summer foundation, but it will be a nightmare when my skin goes back to being super dry again. My skin used to be oily year round and I could just wear the same foundations all the time. Now, my skin totally changes with the seasons so I've always got to check and see which foundation will cooperate with it that month.

It's definitely annoying, but it gives me an excuse to try lots of different foundations. ;)